Why Choose an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center?

When you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, choosing the right service provider ensures you'll receive the best possible care and support.
At academic medical centers such as Moores Cancer Center, affiliated with UC San Diego School of Medicine, world-class researchers are developing and testing the effectiveness of new therapies and medical devices in fields including personalized therapy, immunotherapy, minimally invasive surgeries, and more. In short, we base our treatment plans on the latest advances in medicine.

This approach to cancer research and patient care can only be found in an academic medical setting such as Moores Cancer Center and UC San Diego Health, home to some of the top cancer specialists in the world.

NCI Designation

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is the federal government's principal agency for cancer research and training. The NCI coordinates the National Cancer Program, which provides research grants and cooperative agreements to coordinate and support research projects. Its Cancer Centers Program is one of the anchors of its cancer research effort, and these designated centers are recognized for scientific leadership and resources.

The designation of Comprehensive Cancer Center is reserved for those with the highest achievements in cancer research, clinical care, education, and community contributions. Moores Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Diego County.

This distinction makes an enormous difference for our patients. Studies show that patients treated at NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers have have better survival and recovery rates due to the fullness of care, diverse oncology disciplines, subspecialty expertise and multidisciplinary teams for more than 200 types of cancer, plus access to transformative clinical trials.

Multidisciplinary Care

Another benefit of a Comprehensive Cancer Center is the multidisciplinary approach to your care. At UC San Diego Health, you don’t have just one physician. Our team includes specialists from:

Medical oncology

Surgery

Radiation oncology

Diagnostic imaging and radiology

Psychology

Nutrition

Nursing

Social work

Your multidisciplinary team works together to decide the best course of treatment. In most instances, we’re all in the same building, making it easier and faster to compare notes, confer regularly with one another, and review your progress. And we encourage you and your loved ones to take an active role in your care and communicate freely with your health care team.